adminZvikomborero Parafini
THE rape trial of nightclub manager, Ronald Ngwenya, has resumed following the recusal of the magistrate, who initially dealt with the case.
Ngwenya is facing two rape charges and an indecent assault charge.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges before magistrate Fadzai Mthombeni.
Ngwenya is accused of raping his niece twice, and fondling her inappropriately, on the night of December 11, last year.
In his defence outline, Ngwenya told the court that he never committed the offence.
He said he never inappropriately touched his niece, whom he raised as his own daughter from the age of six up to December last year, when the complainant was aged 13.
He further said he was shocked by the allegations which he described as malicious.
Ngwenya claimed the allegations were brought forward by people with an ulterior motive to tarnish his image and character as he no longer enjoys cordial relations with the girl’s biological father, who is his brother-in-law.
The State is set to lead evidence from the girl child today.
Zvikomborero Mupasa prosecuted.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge